Proceeding through Intersections, etc., and Railroad Crossings

1. Proceeding through Intersections, etc.

An intersection is a place where 2 or more roads cross, and many pedestrians proceed there as well, making it the most likely place for accidents. Entering and proceeding though an intersection requires paying sufficient attention to other vehicles and pedestrians and driving carefully.

1.1 How to Turn Left (Excluding Roundabouts)

When turning left, a vehicle must move as close to the left edge of the road as possible beforehand and proceed slowly along the edge of the intersection. (When arrows or other pavement markings designate how to proceed, the vehicle must proceed accordingly.)

1.2 How to Turn Right (Excluding Roundabouts)

① How automobiles turn right

When turning right, an automobile must move as close to the center of the road as possible beforehand and proceed slowly close to the center of the intersection on its near side. (When arrows or other pavement markings designate how to proceed, the automobile must proceed accordingly.)

When turning right from a one-way road, an automobile must move as close to the right edge of the road as possible beforehand and proceed slowly on the near side of the center of the intersection.

② Right turn method for general motorized bicycles

Tight right turn method (same as automobiles):

Use this method at the following intersections:

• Intersection where traffic is not controlled
• Intersection where traffic is controlled and the road has 2 or less vehicular lanes
• Intersection where traffic is controlled and the road has 3 or more vehicular lanes and a "Right turn method (tight turn)" sign

Two-step right turn method (same as bicycles):

Use this method at the following intersections:

• Intersection where traffic is controlled and the road has a "Right turn method (two-step)" sign
• Intersection where traffic is controlled and the road has 3 or more vehicular lanes
• Intersection where traffic is controlled and there are 3 or more vehicular lanes only near the intersection

1.3 Prohibition against Vehicles Turning Right Obstructing Others

When turning right at an intersection, a vehicle must not obstruct the progress of vehicles and streetcars proceeding straight or turning left at the intersection, even if the vehicle had entered the intersection first.

1.4 Lane Divisions According to the Direction of Travel

On roads with vehicular lanes where lane divisions according to the direction of travel at the intersection are designated by traffic signs and pavement markings, automobiles and general motorized bicycles must proceed according to the designated divisions.

When a non-motorized conveyance, a specified light motorized bicycle, or a general motorized bicycle that must turn right using the two-step right turn method, is turning right or left at an intersection, it must move to the left edge of the road to proceed.

1.5 "Proceed only in designated directions" sign

At an intersection where straight ahead, left turn, or other direction of travel is designated by a traffic sign, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding in directions not indicated by an arrow.

Common directional prohibitions:

• No right turn
• No straight through or right turn
• No right or left turn
• No straight through
• No left turn into diagonal road

1.6 How to Turn Right or Left to Enter Roadside Places

① Turning left

When making a left turn to exit a road, a vehicle must move as close to the left edge of the road as possible beforehand and proceed slowly.

② Turning right

When making a right turn to exit a road, a vehicle (excluding specified light motorized bicycles and non-motorized conveyances) must move as close as possible beforehand to the center of the road (to the right edge of the road on a one-way road) and proceed slowly.

1.7 Prohibition against Obstructing Course Changes

When a vehicle ahead signals a course change to turn right or left, to proceed in a vehicular lane designated by traffic signs or pavement markings, etc., a vehicle must not obstruct the course change of the vehicle ahead.

However, when avoidance would require sudden braking or sudden steering, the vehicle may continue to proceed.

2. Cautions When Proceeding through Intersections

2.1 Safe Speed and Method (Excluding Roundabouts)

At or near an intersection is the most likely place for accidents. When entering or proceeding through an intersection, a vehicle must pay attention to vehicles turning right, pedestrians, etc. and proceed at the safest speed and method possible in response to the conditions in the intersection.

Pay sufficient attention, especially when turning right, because a two-wheeled vehicle proceeding straight along an opposite lane may be difficult to see.

2.2 Preventing Hitting Others When Turning Right or Left

When a vehicle turns right or left, an inner wheelbase differential (the difference between the paths of the front and rear wheels caused by the rear wheels traveling in a turning arc that is tighter than the front wheels) arises.

In particular, large vehicles have a large inner wheelbase differential and the left rear is difficult to see, so pay attention to avoid hitting pedestrians, bicycles, etc. while turning.

Further, since it is easy for a two-wheeled vehicle to be in the blind spot of a four-wheeled vehicle, travel in a position visible from the four-wheeled vehicle, pay attention to turn signals, and otherwise be attentive to prevent being hit.

3. Proceeding through Intersections Where Traffic Is Not Controlled

3.1 When the Intersecting Road Has the Right of Way, etc.

At an intersection where traffic is not controlled, if the intersecting road has the right of way or if the intersecting road is wider, a vehicle must proceed slowly and must not obstruct the progress of vehicles or streetcars proceeding on the intersecting road.

3.2 When the Widths of the Intersecting Roads Are the Same

At an intersection where traffic is not controlled and the width of the intersecting roads are similar, a vehicle must not obstruct the progress of streetcars or the progress of vehicles proceeding from the left.

3.3 Coming to a stop at designated places, etc.

When there is a "Stop" sign, a vehicle must come to a stop immediately before the stop line (or immediately before the intersection, where there is no stop line) and must not obstruct the progress of vehicles or streetcars proceeding on the intersecting road.

The same applies when there is a flashing red light signal in the direction of travel.

4. Proceeding through Roundabouts

A roundabout is an intersection in which the part of the road vehicles proceed on is round (circular) and road traffic signs, etc. designate that vehicles must proceed clockwise.

4.1 Cautions When Proceeding (Safe Speed and Method)

When entering or proceeding through a roundabout, a vehicle must pay attention to vehicles proceeding through the roundabout, vehicles entering the roundabout, pedestrians, etc. and proceed at the safest speed and method possible in response to the conditions in the roundabout.

4.2 How to Proceed

① How to enter

When entering a roundabout, a vehicle must proceed slowly and must not obstruct the progress of vehicles or streetcars proceeding through a roundabout. (No signaling required)

② How to turn left, turn right, proceed straight, or make a U-turn

When turning left or right, proceeding straight, or making a U-turn in a roundabout, a vehicle must move as close to the left edge of the road as possible beforehand and proceed slowly along the edge of the roundabout.

③ How to exit

When exiting a roundabout, start signaling using the turn signal after passing beside the exit before the desired exit (if exiting at the first exit, when entering the roundabout) and continue to signal using a turn signal until the vehicle has exited.

5. How to Cross at Railroad Crossings, etc.

Accidents at railroad crossings tend to be major, such as accidents involving death or serious injury. Always follow the instructions below when crossing at a railroad crossing.

5.1 Coming to a Stop and Ensure Safety with Eyes and Ears

1. ① A driver must come to a stop immediately before a railroad crossing (if a stop line is present, immediately before it) and check for safety to the right and left using the driver's own eyes and ears by turning down the volume on the radio or car stereo, by rolling down the window, etc.
2. ② If a traffic light is present at the railroad crossing, a vehicle may cross according to the signal. (Drivers are not required to come to a stop when crossing at a green signal, but they must check for safety.)
3. ③ When checking for safety, pay sufficient attention, because immediately after a train in one direction has passed, another train from the other direction may approach.
4. ④ Even when crossing following another vehicle, a vehicle must always come to a stop and check for safety.

5.2 No Entry Due to Warning Bell, Crossing Gate, etc.

1. ① A vehicle must not enter the railroad crossing when the warning bell is sounding or the crossing gate is either down or coming down.
2. ② When there is a risk of having to stop inside a railroad crossing due to congestion on the other side, a vehicle must not enter a railroad crossing.

5.3 Proceeding Close to the Center in Low Gear

To prevent stalling, do not change gears inside a railroad crossing. Cross in a single action in the low gear used to start moving.

Further, proceed close to the center to prevent wheels from dropping off the roadway.

5.4 Cautions Regarding Pedestrians, etc.

A railroad crossing can be dangerous due to bad road surface conditions, narrowness, and congestion. Cross safely while paying sufficient attention to pedestrians and oncoming vehicles.

6. Measures to Take When Broken Down on Railroad Crossings

If a vehicle becomes immobile in the railroad crossing, the driver must immediately alert any train operators, etc. and must promptly remove the vehicle from the railroad crossing.

6.1 Alerting Train Operators, etc.

1. ① At a railroad crossing with a warning bell, push the railroad crossing obstruction notification device (emergency button) mounted on the warning bell pole, etc.
2. ② At one without a railroad crossing obstruction notification device, use the smoke flare, etc. carried in the vehicle to signal trains so that they would be able to recognize it as soon as possible.
3. ③ When missing the smoke flare, etc. or when it gets used up, create a signal, such as by burning something that produces smoke nearby.

6.2 Removing a Vehicle from a Railroad Crossing

After alerting train operators, etc., a driver must promptly remove the vehicle from the railroad crossing in ways such as the following:

1. ① Have people nearby to push the vehicle.
2. ② Have another vehicle pull it.
3. ③ Use the starting motor to move it. (This method cannot be used on automatic transmission vehicles or on manual transmission vehicles equipped with a clutch-starting system.)